newbie needs help

shamrockmanJune 11, 2014

Hey thanks for all the great info y'all post on the forum. I have two questions. I have some rooted cuttings that the potting mix has slumped on. Some as much as 2 inches. I propose to add my current potting mix to fill the slump. Is this ok? My 2nd question is where are the detailed instructions on rooting in the soda bottles.

You can add soil if you want its not a problem. However You might be better off lifting them and adding it to the bottom.

using bottles is very simple. I use regular 16-20oz bottles. cut the top off and poke a few small holes in the bottom. Set the cutting about half way down and pack the soil around it firmly to support it. Water once and put in a warm sunny spot. I will also slide the cardboard paper towel or toilet paper tube on the cutting the help with sunburn. the exposed lip of the bottle can act like a magnifying glass and burn the cutting at the base.
here is my most recent one thornton lemon drop that I rooted last month.

If the cuttings have been planted and rooted for quite a while, I personally would probably repot before I would add soil. If the cuttings haven't been rooted long, it may not be a good idea to mess with the roots right now. So, I would probably be inclined to just leave them as is until you can repot them.

I will say this, though. I've added soil to them before, because I just couldn't stand it, and they have been fine. But it does introduce the chance of rot if you get a rain or something.